Five major European military powers — Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland — have launched a joint initiative to rapidly develop affordable drone systems. The LEAP program focuses on creating low-cost unmanned platforms and counter-drone defenses, reflecting lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict. The increasing use of drones has reshaped modern warfare, highlighting the need for economical air defense alternatives instead of costly missile systems. Member nations have committed multi-million-dollar investments to deliver operational components within a year, strengthening NATO’s collective defense posture and boosting European military collaboration.
